From the article, I couldn't work out what Tony's problem with Kevin Rudd was?

The gist of it seemed to be that Kevin Rudd once claimed to never having been a "socialist", while at another point, claimed to be a "Christian Socialist", while being an "anlgican who never lost touch with Rome"?

That's it? Really? Surely Tony Abbot, the stalwart of the right in the Federal Liberal party, could be better than that? 500 words of beating around the bush, and he doesn't touch Rudd on policy.

So what's his problem? Rudd is playing popularity politics? Pot. Kettle. Black.

Rudd brings a different interpretation of Christianity to the floor of parliament? Such oppinions have been voiced before (although rarely so loudly).

It seems to me as though Tony Abbott has taken an ill thoughtout swing at Rudd. If he wants any of it to stick, he really needs to come up with some genuine objections.

(Disclaimer. I will be preferencing neither Labor or Liberal this coming election.)

Abbott's article only reaffirms that the Howazrd government knows it is on shaky ground so all the smutty dogs or character assassins have been let off the leash! When Howard goes early as he surely must - Costello will take over as PM and is Abbott vying for the treasury post? A return to that inspired Abbott and Costello comedy show which had a good workout some time ago? So, desperate people do desperate things, while some of the slime sticks people also see the perpetrators in their true light. Bring on the next election!

Once more we can learn a lesson or some of us can by reading the polls.
While some post rabid anti Labor stories the only people that matter are speaking, the voters.
The impending election of Kevin Rudd as Prime Minister is assured.
While this governments hit team try to uncover dust under Rudd's carpet behind them in the governments room the carpet has become a mountain of hidden problems.
Again surely it is clear? conservatives must prepare to rebuild the party Howard and a few close supporters have so badly damaged.
Every state in Australia and soon the federal government in Labor hands and some continue to blame the voters?
Some even fail to understand the rejection of Australian voters is massive and unstoppable.
More dirt? or policy's?
A new direction and leader seems the best conservative move.

Betty said,"Do you really think that Govts have any effect on those who can afford a a home?" The term that should be used is "home affordability".

Hate to disappoint you Betty but Govt taxes do affect house prices.In NSW we have GST which goes to the states,stamp duty,infrastructure levies etc in the case of a new home,all add up to 30% of the cost of housing and land.I'd like to know how the infrastructure tax is being spent since many of oue new roads have tolls on them.

Some people will support their beloved Labor no matter how inept or corrupt they are.

Howler

You said
"Abbott's article only reaffirms that the Howazrd government knows it is on shaky ground so all the smutty dogs or character assassins have been let off the leash!"

Do you not see the hypocrisy of your own comment?

Arjay.

Hate to disappoint you as well, all you can come up with is that 30% of the cost of a house is Local and State Govt charges. Whats new, this percentage figure has stayed pretty much the same for decades.

The GST and $14,000 fist home owners grant pushed the price of a new home up by $30,000 overnight.(NSW is not Australia by the way)

The Treasurers latest superannuation changes (where if you have a lazy million dollars you can get at it tax free) has resulted in a rental situation that is worse than when Labor abolished negative gearing.

The 18-19% interest rate "red herring" is also not quite right, my recollection of the times is that the vast majority of people were on fixed interest mortgages and that existing variable mortgages were capped at 13% (Did you forget? or did you not know?)

Given the latest poll it seems that John Howard has shot himself in the foot. It is not because of Kevin Rudd, it is because our Govt is seen to be failing us.

Some people will support their beloved Liberal party no matter how inept or corrupt they are.